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Non-fiction

Books that made us laugh

If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, try some of these suggestions:

Stuff white people like: the definitive guide to the unique taste of millions by Christian Lander

A walk in the woods: rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

All I know about animal behavior I learned in Loehmann's dressing room by Erma Bombeck

Eat less cottage cheese and more ice cream: thoughts on life by from Erma Bombeck ; illustrations by Lynn Chang

America (the book): a citizen's guide to democracy inaction by written and edited by Jon Stewart, Ben Karlin, David Javerbaum ; writers, Rich Blomquist ... [et al.] ; additional material, Samantha Bee ... [et al.] ; with a foreword by Thomas Jefferson

Michigan Critters

Enslaved by ducks by Bob Tarte


The amphibians and reptiles of Michigan: a Quaternary and Recent faunal adventure by J. Alan Holman


Birds of Detroit by Chris C. Fisher, Allen T. Chartier


Michigan turtles and lizards: a field guide and pocket reference by James H. Harding and J. Alan Holman ; photography and illustrations by James H. Harding, except where otherwise credited


Fish of Michign field guide by David Bosanko


The wolves of Isle Royale: a broken balance by Rolf O. Peterson


Fowl weather by Bob Tarte

Michigan Art & Architecture

Alden B. Dow: midwestern modern by Diane Maddex

Art Deco in Detroit by Rebecca Binno Savage and Greg Kowalski

Art in Detroit public places by text by Dennis Nawrocki ; photographs by David Clements

Buildings of Michigan by Kathryn Bishop Eckert

Artists of early Michigan: a biographical dictionary of artists native to or active in Michigan, 1701-1900 by compiled by Arthur Hopkin Gibson ; research assistants, Beverly Bassett and Jean Spang

Marshall M. Fredericks, sculptor by edited by Suzanne P. Fredericks ; introductory essay by Edgar P. Richardson ; foreword by Sammuel Sachs II ; researched and compiled by Marcy Heller Fisher ; with contributions by Barbara Heller ... [et al.]

Great Lakes Shipwrecks

Pure Michigan Travel

Michigan's motto declares: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." With that in mind,  take some time to explore the natural beauty and wonder of our great state with the resources listed below. For more ideas explore the Pure Michigan website.

Of woods and water: a photographic journey across Michigan by Ron Leonetti and Christopher Jordan ; foreword by Dave Dempsey


The paddler's guide to Michigan by Jeff Counts


Hiking Michigan by Roger E. Storm, Susan M. Wedzel


Belle Isle to 8 Mile: an insider's guide to Detroit by edited by Andy Linn, Emily Linn and Rob Linn


Twelve classic trout streams in Michigan: a handbook for fly anglers by Gerth E. Hendrickson ; fully revised by Jim DuFresne

Ethnic Michigan

Michigan has a rich history of ethnic diversity. Early European explorers were met by the most populous Native American tribes of the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and the Ojibwa (or Chippewa) people. Later, in the 17th century, the French voyageurs explored and settled in Michigan. These included Etienne Brule, Jacques Marquette, and Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of the city of Detroit. However, over time large populations of various European, Middle Eastern, and Asian ethnicities have emigrated to our state. Find out more about the people who have contributed to Michigan's growth and culture.

Arab Americans in Metro Detroit: a pictorial history by Anan Ameri ; Yvonne Lockwood

Arab Americans in Michigan by Rosina J. Hassoun

Chaldeans in Michigan by Mary C. Sengstock

Even More Fascinating Michigan History

More Fascinating Michigan History

Michigan Authors

Michigan: MichiganMichigan is home to many noted authors. Whether native born or longtime residents, writing fiction, nonfiction or poetry, the following authors have produced a remarkable body of work.

Mysterious Michigan

Detroit ... Remember When?

Anybody who grew up in the Detroit area has fond memories of the people, places and things that formed their childhood. Some are still with us but others have disappeared into history. Whatever the case, take a trip back in time and revisit them right now!

Hudson's: Detroit's legendary department store by Michael Hauser and Marianne Weldon


Sanders confectionery by Greg Tasker


From Soupy to nuts: a history of Detroit television by Tim Kiska


Hydroplane racing in Detroit, 1946-2008 by David D. Williams and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum


Detroit's Belle Isle: island park gem by Michael Rodriguez and Thomas Featherstone

Michigan Eats

Fascinating Michigan History

Michigan Biography

Michigan Notable Books 2013

Michigan: MichiganThe Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable volumes published that year that best reflect the state's diverse ethnic, historical, literary and cultural experiences. Most of the winning titles can be found in the Library's collection. From fiction to nonfiction, the following list offers a variety of choices:

American Poet by Vande Zande, Jeff


The amphibians and reptiles of Michigan: a Quaternary and Recent faunal adventure by J. Alan Holman


Bear has a story to tell by written by Philip C. Stead ; illustrated by Erin E. Stead


The boy governor: Stevens T. Mason and the birth of Michigan politics by Don Faber

Books by Bloggers

Earn your Geek Out badge with one of these books from some of the Internet's most popular bloggers:

Let's pretend this never happened: (a mostly true memoir) by Jenny Lawson

Sleep is for the weak: the best of the mommybloggers including Amalah, Finslippy, Fussy, Woulda Coulda Shoulda, Mom-101, and more!: a blogHer book by edited by Rita Arens ; forward by Stacy Morrison

Sparkly green earrings: catching the light at every turn by Melanie Shankle

Heaven is here: an incredible story of hope, triumph, and everyday joy by Stephanie Nielson ; with Amy Ferguson Hackworth

Carry on, warrior: thoughts on life unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton

Say Nice Things About Detroit!

Detroit turns 312 this year! The city was founded on July 24, 1701 by the French explorer Antoine Laumet de Lamothe Cadillac. Originally named Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit, its name was shortened by the British after they had gained control of the settlement during the French and Indian War. The city is known throughout the world as both an automotive center and the birthplace of some of the world's best known musical talent. Several nicknames have been attached to Detroit throughout its long history: Motown, Hockeytown, the Motor City, the City of Champions, and the Arsenal of Democracy all reflect the city's acheivements. Although the city has undergone some tough times in recent years, Detroit can be proud of its contributions to both the country - and the world. Several new books and films have been produced recently about the city's current problems, but there is much to celebrate as well. For a taste of the city's history, as well as a picture of its present, check out some of the titles below:

Not Your Grandma's Geeks...

Gone are the visions of pencil protectors and computer nerds. These days, the term "Geek" is used to describe those who are passionate about a particular hobby or interest. Perhaps one of these titles will inspire you to Geek Out!

Geek girls unite: how fangirls, bookworms, indie chicks, and other misfits are taking over the world by Leslie Simon; illustrations by Nan Lawson

Record collecting for girls: unleashing your inner music nerd, one album at a time by Courtney E. Smith

Imported From Detroit

Read about some of Detroit's greatest hits!

Brewed in Detroit: breweries and beers since 1830 by Peter H. Blum

The Vernor's story: from gnomes to now by Lawrence L. Rouch

TV land—Detroit by Gordon Castelnero

The birth of the Detroit sound: 1940-1964 by Marilyn Bond and S.R. Boland

Fired magic: Detroit's Pewabic pottery treasures by Marcy Heller Fisher ; illustrated by Marjorie Hecht Simon

100 years of Ford: a centennial celebration of the Ford Motor Company by David L. Lewis and the auto editors of Consumer Guide

The story of Motown by Peter Benjaminson